Full parole granted to man convicted in notorious 'McDonald's murders' in Cape Breton
CBC
WARNING: This article contains graphic descriptions of violence
More than 30 years after Nova Scotia was stunned by the brutal murders of three McDonald's restaurant workers in Cape Breton, another of the three convicted killers has been granted full parole.
During a hearing Thursday, the board decided that 55-year-old Freeman MacNeil should receive a conditional release because his risk to reoffend is rated at low to moderate, his plan to reintegrate into society appears reasonable and the factors that contributed to his criminality remain low.
MacNeil, who was granted day parole in December 2022, told the hearing that he's "headed down the right path" and is doing what he needs to do to stay out of trouble.
At times, the hearing was tense as three victim impact statements were read aloud.
Paul Fagan, the older brother of victim Jimmy Fagan, described MacNeil as an uncaring "monster" lacking in remorse.
"These murders were so savage; four people shot execution style, multiple times, then stabbed, beaten with a shovel handle and a neck slashed," Fagan said in a strong voice occasionally interrupted by deep sobs.
"Jimmy was executed when he showed up an hour early for his work. What my family and the other families went through should not happen to any family, and having to relive this kind of horror show year after year has been very difficult."
For the entire hearing, shared via video link, MacNeil appeared calm as he sat motionless and looked straight ahead, his hands clasped in front of him on a table.
As is usual in parole board decisions, the names of the institutions where he has been were not released.
He told board members that he routinely meets with two groups that provide him with advice and emotional support, and he said he was looking forward to moving into a $600-a-month apartment, which he plans to pay for with money he's saved from a seasonal job he picked up while on day parole.
Board members said MacNeil showed no signs of aggression, impulsiveness or violence.
"I don't want to do anything that might bring me back here," MacNeil said. "I just want a simple life."
On May 7, 1992, MacNeil and two other men — Derek Wood and Darren Muise, both 18 — broke into the fast-food restaurant in Sydney River, N.S., after closing time. Their plan was to steal money from a safe and prevent any of the overnight staff from leaving before they made their getaway.